Mr. Dümke, what is the current status of Single Pair Ethernet?

Marian Dümke: The demand for single-pair Ethernet products is increasing and market acceptance of the new technology is clearly growing. More and more users are recognizing the advantages of SPE - plus points such as light, lean cabling and the possibility of direct Ethernet connection of sensors and other automation devices must first be brought to the attention of users, as well as the associated possibilities of real-time transmission via TSN standards. Depending on the application, new fields of application may also arise due to higher transmission rates over short distances. The significantly increased possible transmission distances of up to 1000 m at 10 Mbit/s are also a clear advantage of SPE technology. Gateways and translators, which were previously indispensable for such distances, can be dispensed with; the connection is possible directly via Ethernet. Ethernet-based networks can also be set up over much greater distances.

How are transmission distances currently developing with higher transmission rates?

Great efforts are currently being made in technical development and standardization to specify and technically test the 100 Mbit/s transmission speed, which is important in factory automation, for 100 m transmission lengths. SPE will soon catch up with the classic 100 m distance for copper-based Ethernet in the transmission path. This would eliminate the need to rethink the 15 m currently specified according to IEEE 802.3bw 100Base-T1, and users would be able to work with the established 100 m limit as before.

And what about transmission rates in the Gbit range?

Of course, we also have our sights firmly set on Gbit transmission rates for future applications. As Harting and Belden-Hirschmann demonstrated at Hannover Messe 2023, they are actively working on making 1 Gbit/s 1000Base-T1 possible for the familiar standard distance of 100 m. At the trade fair, 90 m link length was already demonstrated in active operation as a study. Here too, the technical limit for SPE for industrial applications has not yet been reached.

What other developments are currently taking place?

There are a number of innovations in SPE connectivity that systematically complement the SPE ecosystem established by the SPE Industrial Partner Network. The latest innovations from Harting include terminal blocks for direct SPE connection to the PCB. The classic interface consisting of plug connector and socket includes M8 T1 Industrial (IEC 63171-6) and the M8 hybrid interface. Like its big brother M12 Hybrid, it transmits SPE as well as power to supply the end device. These hybrid concepts serve the trend of the One Cable Automation (OCA) initiative.

What innovations will your company be presenting at the SPS in terms of SPE?

The latest innovation, just in time for SPS 2023, is the T1 Industrial SPE interface in the Harting PushPull housing. It enables quick, easy and tool-free assembly and disassembly of the interface and gives users clear feedback on the secure, IP65/67-protected locking of the connection via a clear acoustic click.

Harting at the SPE 2023: Hall 10.0, Stand 130